Hamas has strongly denounced moves by Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to cancel key provisions of the 1997 Hebron Protocol, describing the decision as a dangerous escalation aimed at deepening Israeli control over the occupied West Bank city of al-Khalil (Hebron).

In an official statement, the Palestinian resistance group said Smotrich’s measures represent a “desperate attempt” to expand Israeli dominance over al-Khalil and its surroundings as part of a broader settlement and annexation project targeting the entire West Bank. Hamas warned that the steps seek to accelerate settlement expansion, annexation, and displacement of Palestinians.

The group stressed that such actions “will not alter the historical and geographical reality” of the city, declaring that al-Khalil and the wider Palestinian territories “will remain resistant to Judaization efforts.” Hamas added that the Israeli decisions hold no legitimacy regarding settlement activity in the occupied territories.

Hamas called on Palestinians to strengthen their attachment to the land, escalate opposition to annexation and settlement policies, and intensify resistance in all forms against ongoing Israeli measures. The group also urged the international community and the United Nations to fulfill their responsibilities and intervene to stop what it termed “fascist” Israeli policies that violate international law and humanitarian norms.

The statement came after Smotrich announced the cancellation of key clauses in the Hebron Protocol during the unveiling of a new settlement project in the city. He declared that planning and construction authorities previously granted to the Palestinian-run al-Khalil Municipality under the 1997 agreement have been revoked and transferred to Israeli occupation authorities.

The move strips the Palestinian municipality of its powers over urban planning, building regulations, and responsibilities related to the Ibrahimi Mosque (also known as the Cave of the Patriarchs), placing them under full Israeli control.

The Hebron Protocol, signed in 1997 as part of the Oslo Accords, divided the city into two sectors: H1, administered by the Palestinian Authority, and H2, which has remained under Israeli military control. H2 includes Israeli settlements and the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site holy to both Muslims and Jews.

Smotrich’s announcement has heightened tensions in the already divided and volatile city, where Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents have long clashed over control and access. (ILKHA)